UK detectives in Libya over Police Constable Fletcher murder

Two British detectives investigating the 1984 murder of a policewoman outside the Libyan embassy in London have visited Tripoli for talks with Libyan officials, Scotland Yard said Thursday.

Counter-terrorism officers were in Tripoli from Monday to Wednesday to discuss how the investigation could be taken forward, the police said.

Yvonne Fletcher, 25, was shot dead outside the Libyan embassy while policing peaceful demonstrations. No one has ever been charged with her murder.

The fatal shot was always believed to have been fired from inside the building, sparking an 11-day stand-off with police.

However, investigators suspect that the killer left Britain among the 30 staff who were subsequently deported but who enjoyed diplomatic immunity.

"We hope these preliminary discussions will pave the way for the Metropolitan Police Service and Libyan authorities to work jointly to identify who was responsible for Woman Police Constable Fletcher's murder in 1984," Scotland Yard said in a statement.

"Detectives remain in regular contact with WPC Fletcher's family who will be given an update about the visit."